Mario Balotelli is “happy to play for this great team, especially in difficult moments” and hailed Clarence Seedorf.

The striker spoke to Milan Channel this afternoon to mark his first full year with the Rossoneri since arriving from Manchester City.

“I am happy to play for this great team, especially in difficult moments, because anyone can get through easy times. It’s in the difficult ones that it’s tough to get the best out of yourself,” said SuperMario.

“Now we find ourselves in a better situation compared to a while ago, as we are slowly pulling ourselves out.

“I am truly happy to be here, had a wonderful year with the Rossoneri and hope to continue like this.”

Asked whether he was the guiding light for his team, Balotelli accepted it to a certain degree.

“I am important the same way that my other teammates are, whether they are on the field, on the bench or in the stands.

“It is only normal that being a striker I have more of an opportunity to push the team forward with goals, so I have a little more responsibility. I am happy to be a leader for this team.”

Balotelli has been very impressed with new Coach Seedorf, who so far earned two Serie A victories and a Coppa Italia defeat.

“Seedorf is great. He’s a good person, above all knows how to connect with the players, perhaps because he was a player until very recently. He is so eager to do well and to entertain. We all see things the same way as Seedorf, that is why we all get along very well.

“What do I want from this season? I hope we can reach a Serie A position that will allow us to play in Europe and above all to beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

“As for the World Cup, we’ll see in the summer. I hope for the best, as it will be my first World Cup and it’s the most important tournament for any player.”